Page 27 of Ruthless Monsters

He still stares at me suspiciously. “Now why would I want that?”

I shrug. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because it can be damn lonely being the only powerful being in a kingdom. And maybe, because I’m way more powerful than you realize.” I lick my lips tentatively. “You weren’t wrong. It was near insufferable having those males fighting over me, and I was close to wanting to end the lot of them, but it wasn’t just a competition for fun. For my kind, we have predestined mates. And when we bond with those mates, our power increases exponentially.” I pause for emphasis. “Mypower will grow far beyond what you felt before this cuff was placed on me.”

His eyes get so light they almost glow.

“So they are your fated mates,” he mutters.

“Yes,” I nod. “But I don’t think you understand the real reason I want them alive. You see, I needthem to seal the bond so I can unlock my power. Once I have that power, you could imprison them for eternity, and I wouldn’t care. But when I’m that powerful, you can take most of it, making you strong again, and instead of killing me, leave me a little and let me rule by yourside. As long as you let me keep enough to be comfortable, and you don’t keep me locked away, I’m happy to be yours.”

His gaze drops then, and instead of staring at me with the same scrutiny he has used since the first time I’d met him, this time I see longing and desperation. His chest rises and falls as he considers what I’ve said, and when I see that longing, I almost feel bad for him.Almost.Until I remember the horrible things he’s done, including to his first wife, let alone all the ones after that.

“I can’t guarantee that I can stop when the power transfer begins,” he says.

I smile reassuringly. “Sure you can. What happened with Yenna was a long time ago, and I’m sure you’ve perfected the art of using your magic by now.”

He crosses his arms, his expression becoming thoughtful. “And bonding with these mates of yours. What does that entail?”

I give him a saucy smile and bite my lip. “Well, yes, you will have to learn to share just this once. But on the bright side, let’s just say you should enjoy the show.”

His pupils dilate. “A mating ritual? It’s been so long since my kind have encountered fated mates. I’d forgotten this was part of it.”

“It is in a way,” I reply. “Let’s call it a basic ritual to unlock my power.”

His gaze shines with hunger, and I have to force myself not to cringe. Truthfully, I’m not sure if he’s lusting over the idea of more power or the idea of me with my mates, but either way, my proposition seems to be getting the job done.

“So,” I say, still making a point to tease my bottom lip. “Will you marry me, my king?”

His eyes sparkle in the light. “I suppose there would be no harm in letting myself have a true queen for as long as youremain useful. But you must know if you cross me, I’ll make you and your mates suffer fates worse than death.”

“Like I said, the only reason I care about them, is because I need them to unlock my power. After that, I have no loyalty to them.”

King Celzar’s smile stretches wide. “Well then, let’s see about this bonding ritual, shall we?”

Chapter

Eleven

~ Alaric ~

Idrive my pickaxe down with such force that the cave wall shudders. The rock cracks to reveal a cluster of golden crystals that sparkle like diamonds, and for a moment, all I can think about is my demon enchantress. Mymate,though I’m still reluctant to believe it. The golden color reminds me of her eyes, and a new rush of anger has me gripping the handle of my pickaxe so tightly my knuckles turn white.

In the past, when I was given a target by the Order of the Drozac, I always had this calm certainty that I’d get the job done. There had been times when I’d had to track my target for weeks before being able to terminate them, and throughout, I’d remained patient, never losing sight of the end goal. But now, my patience is wearing thin, and I’ll be fucking lucky if I can stop myself from killing the three males mining next to me. For every minute that I’m away from the she-demon with the smart mouth, I lose a shred more of my control and more of my sanity.I always knew the demon princess would be the death of me.

My thoughts spiral, and soon I’m imagining the one-hundred different ways I’ll torture and kill her captors.As soon as I’m out of here.I hold out hope for the princess’s little bird companion, but if the rebels don’t come soon, I’m going to have to make my own exit.

“Axes down!” Javier, our guard, orders. He’s been wary since Dante jabbed his hand into the male’s throat, but no less cruel. We all drop our pickaxes, letting them thud to the ground, and we turn to the guard.

“Don’t know about you guys, but I’m ready for another round,” Nate jokes with a grin, though his left eye is still bruised from the last beating we were all given.

Javier doesn’t look impressed.

“It’s a little sad that you enjoy our company this much,” Dante drawls, his tail poised in the air behind him like a snake ready to strike. “We’re starting to wonder whether you have any friends.”

The guard’s lip curls. “Just move it,” he snaps. “The king has given us orders.”

The king?I glower at him.

Three more guards join Javier.

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